The accepted treatment at that time was laudanum, a mix of opium and alcohol. No prescription needed. Cured the pain associated with "consumption", as cancer, and other illnesses. was called. You still died, but you died pain-free. "Mother's Teething Formula", the actual brand name, much the same thing, but diluted, was sold for use on infants who were teething. When it became available by prescription only, thousands of elderly died a very painful death from the withdrawal symptoms.